People from 23 countries to participate: Shankhnad Mahotsav to mark a new era in Spiritual tourism

Press conference held in Panaji ahead of the Sanatan Rashtra Shankhnad Mahotsav

Panaji (Goa) – The ‘Sanatan Rashtra Shankhnad Mahotsav,’ to be held by Sanatan Sanstha at the Infinity Maidan of Goa Engineering College in Farmagudi, Ponda, from May 17th to 19th, is poised to be more than just a religious celebration. It will be a grand international festival of spiritual awakening. With participants from 23 countries, including saints, spiritual leaders of various sects, temple trustees, and more than 25,000 seekers and devotees, this 3-day mahotsav will mark a significant milestone in spiritual tourism, on par with Kashi, Ujjain, and Ayodhya. The event will feature traditional yajnas, spiritual discourses, and exhibitions that will foster spiritual consciousness and boost the local economy.This information was shared by Mr Chetan Rajhans, National Spokesperson of Sanatan Sanstha, at a press conference held at Hotel Manoshanti, Panaji.

Prominent attendees of the Press conference included Mr Santosh Ghodge from Art of Living, Mr Jayant Miringkar from Cultural Trust, Mr Nitin Phaldesai from International Bajrang Dal, Mr Sujan Naik from Padmanabha Sampradaya, Tapobhoomi – Kundai, Mr Raj Sharma from Brahmin Mahasangh, Mr Anil Naik from Devotee of Jagadguru Swami Narendracharyaji Maharaj, Mr Jayesh Thali from Gomantak Mandir Mahasangh and Mr Yuvraj Gaonkar representing Hindu Janajagruti Samiti.

Temples are the soul and backbone of India’s economy

Mr Rajhans emphasized that temples are not just places of worship, they are economic and cultural lifelines. He cited the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor and Shri Ram Mandir in Ayodhya as examples, highlighting that Uttar Pradesh now earns ₹22,000 crore annually from spiritual tourism, propelling it to the No. 1 rank in tourism.Once known as ‘Dakshin Kashi,’ Goa too can reap similar economic benefits. Spiritual hubs such as Ujjain, Tirupati, Rameshwaram, and Kashi have endured for thousands of years; unlike many modern industrial cities; and continue to thrive due to their cultural and religious significance.

During this 3-daymahotsav, over 25,000 people from India and abroad will stay in Goa for 3–5 days. Their visits to temples, markets, hotels, restaurants, and tourist spots will generate significant revenue for local businesses, while also boosting employment and GST collections.

Mahotsav to herald a bright Spiritual future

Unlike other industries, spiritual tourism fosters sustainable development and moral values in society. The mahotsav will showcase mandir heritage, folk and cultural arts, patriotic and spiritual values, and awareness of dharmik traditions. This ‘Shankhnad’ (divine clarion call) is a declaration of unity and resurgence of Sanatan Dharma. To learn more, Mr Rajhans encouraged people to visit SanatanRashtraShankhnad.in.

Rare darshan of 1,000-year-old Somnath jyotirlinga

A key highlight of the mahotsav will be the public darshan of the ancient 1,000-year-old Somnath jyotirlinga. This sacred Shivalinga, desecrated by Mahmud of Ghazni and later preserved by the Agnihotra sect, is now being brought for public darshan with the blessings of Sri Sri Ravi Shankarji, founder of Art of Living. An exhibition of historical weapons from the era of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj will also be held at the venue.

More than 1,500 seekers and devout Hindus from Sindhudurg district will be present

Kudal, Maharashtra – The proclamation of Sanatan Rashtra, the 83rd birth anniversary of Sanatan Sanstha founder Sachchidananda Parabrahman Dr Athavale and the silver jubilee year of the Sanstha, the historic ‘Sanatan Rashtra Shankhnad Mahotsav’ has been organised from 17th to 19th May at the grounds of the Goa Engineering College in Farmagudi, Ponda, Goa state to sound the conch of  ‘Vishvakalyanartha Ram Rajyasam Sanatan Rashtra’. The highlight of this Mahotsav is the presence of more than 25,000 Hindus, including saints, mahants, Hindutva stalwarts, thinkers, Union Ministers, Chief Ministers of some states, seekers and devout Hindus. This Divine conch shelling will be the next step towards Ramrajya. More than 1,500 seekers from Sindhudurg district, as well as devout Hindus, will be present for this festival. Sanatan Sanstha’s spokesperson Abhay Vartak informed this while speaking at a press conference in Kudal.

A press conference was organised at Hotel Konkan Spice in the city to provide information about the ‘Sanatan Rashtra Shankhnad Mahotsav’ organised by Sanatan Sanstha. Sanatan Sanstha’s Dharmapracharak Sadguru Satyawan Kadam, devout Hindu Vivek Pandit, Rajendra Patil and others were present on this occasion.

Benefits of the darshan ceremony of Saint Padukas

Speaking on this occasion, Sadguru Satyawan Kadam said that in this festival, Samartha Ramdas Swami, Sachchidananda Parabrahman Dr Athavale’s Param Pujya Bhaktaraj Maharaj, Sajjangad’s Shridhar Swami, Sri Kanifnath Swami, Mangaon’s P.P. Vasudevanand Saraswati Tembhe Swami Maharaj, Shri Saibaba, Param Pujya Gondvalekar Maharaj, Param Pujya Gagangiri Maharaj and some more saints’ paduka darshan will be available for the devotees. More than 10 saints’ Paduka darshan will be available there. One crore chanting of the name of Deity Shriram will be performed for the resolution of Ram Rajya.

Dharmaveers (Religious Heroes) will be felicitated

Speaking on this occasion, devout Hindu Vivek Pandit said that the Sanatan Rashtra Shankhnad Mahotsav is a very praiseworthy initiative. In this, the Dharmaveers who have worked for Hindu Dharma with dedication will be honoured by being awarded the ‘Hindu Rashtra Ratna’ and ‘Sanatan Dharmashree’ by the hands of saints.

Exhibition of historical and spiritual objects

This program will feature an exhibition of ancient weapons from the time of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, as well as Sanatan culture, Art, Ayurveda, and spiritual objects.

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